What can and can’t you do inside a polling station?

What can or can't you do inside a polling stationSource: PA

Transcript

00:00What does snapping a selfie, tweeting, and talking about politics all have in common?

00:04If you guessed things you can't do inside a polling station, you'd be correct.

00:09There are a few rules you need to be aware of as you go off to cast your vote,

00:13especially if you haven't done so before. A huge number of first-time voters are expected

00:18this time around, and it's fair to say that the polling station could be a little daunting

00:21if you've not been before. As mentioned, selfies are banned inside the polling station.

00:34You are not allowed to take photos inside because the Electoral Commission,

00:38which oversees UK elections, says it risks the secrecy of the ballot.

00:42The punishment for revealing how someone else voted, even accidentally,

00:46is a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison. You are welcome to take photos

00:52outside the polling station though. In a similar vein, you shouldn't be

00:56updating your social media inside the polling station. As tempting as it may be to share an

01:01update about who you voted for in the heat of the moment, just wait a few minutes and do it later.

01:08Political discussion is also banned inside polling stations, and staff will intervene

01:13if they hear any references to candidates or parties, so keep those names out of your mouth.

01:19Now, you may also want to bring your dog along with you,

01:22and that's fine as long as you leave them safely outside.

01:26First off, you can bring your children inside the polling station,

01:30as long as they don't mark your vote on the ballot paper.

01:34After all, helping to educate the next generation about democracy is very important.

01:39If you choose, you can also spoil your ballot, by writing a message on the paper as a protest

01:45instead of casting a vote. These are recorded, but do not count for or against any candidate.

01:52And the most important thing to do in a polling station, obviously, is to vote.

01:56So, grab your ID and head down to exercise your democratic right.